Another World

Now you hear him, now you don't. Gerry Rafferty has had one of the most on-again, off-again careers in music, popping up in Stealer's Wheel long enough to record the classic "Stuck in the Middle with You" only to step out as a solo artist to delight an unsuspecting world with the epic "Baker Street" in 1978. Since then he has kept mostly to himself, at least as far as the radio-listening audience is concerned, but he has briefly emerged from time to time to toss another recording into the mix. "Another World" is his latest message in a bottle, and it is another gem from this mysteriously-overlooked artist. From the pounding, wailing, gospel-tinged opener "All Souls" to the closing lush romanticism of "Another World," this recording will reveal new and delightful detail with each listen. Many of the songs here have an almost cinematic quality due to the richness of the arrangements and production. "Children of the Sun" creates the mood of a timeless epic of an ancient people wandering the desert. "Metanoia" is steeped in digital information overload. "Keep It to Yourself" (a re-do of a song originally recorded when Rafferty was a Humblebum in the early 1970s) slinks along like audio film noir, with Rafferty's crooning vocals taking us for a ride down lonely city streets at night. "Whose House Is It Anyway" finds Rafferty once again Stuck in The Middle, but this time he is conning his way through a swanky crowd of international jet-setters. But the nod to Randy Newman in Rafferty's fatuous vocals lets us know that, as before, his mama told him not to come. Astonishing for a Gerry Rafferty recording, there isn't a song here about the horrors of the record industry. Can he be mellowing? The many upbeat and romatic songs here suggest so. But wait until next time. I wish I knew when that would be. In the meantime, I'll see you in Another World.

Gerry Rafferty is one of those musicians that is stylistic, smooth and the music flows. Evident here on "Another World." I am one of those older listener's that has followed Gerry's path from the Stealer's Wheel on. I remember the vinly version of "City to City" I still have, that never left the turntable for four months in 1978. Another World is easy to listen too. Makes you wonder why Rafferty doesn't exploit the masses with his music. If you buy it, I believe you will agree that all the songs are different yet the same and it is that continuity that makes it an easy listen. Since in today's world the pre programmed radio waves won't allow music such as this to be heard. I say try it on for size and if you liked Rafferty's previous cuts, these should fit just right. I won't rate it a classic but darn good.